The decision to phase out coal has been taken. Coal regions such as Lusatia and the Rhineland must realign their economies. With the "Structural Strengthening Act for Coal Regions", the German government is therefore supporting areas that are particularly affected by the coal phase-out. It is not only alternative energy sources that are being promoted here. Support is also provided for the development of new, particularly climate-efficient industries aimed at sustainable production methods and the creation of future-oriented jobs.

Next to cellulose, lignin is the most important plant raw material. Its structure-giving properties make the wood ingredient particularly interesting for the bioeconomy. The chemical industry in particular relies on lignin as a starting material for new bio-based plastics and materials. At present, however, the biopolymer is still used primarily for energy production. As a by-product of cellulose and bioethanol production, lignin has hardly been used so far due to its high sulfur content and has been burned instead.

There are 39,500 bridges along Germany's trunk roads. Of these, 87% are made of prestressed concrete or reinforced concrete. In 2019, the German Federal Ministry of Transport found that twelve percent of all road bridges were in "insufficient" or "inadequate" condition. Four of five major bridges inspected will most likely need to be redone. In the future, however, ongoing repairs could significantly extend the service life of bridges and other concrete structures.

Plastic waste has long been recognized as a global problem, but it is far from being solved. Recyclable and compostable plastics are expected to be part of the solution. Now, a research group has developed a new class of recyclable plastics that is also bio-based: Their basis is made of sugars derived from plants, specifically xylose molecules.

Plastic is a durable and versatile material. But the longevity of petroleum-based plastics is both a blessing and a curse, as plastic waste severely pollutes the environment. One alternative is biobased and biodegradable plastics, which are made from renewable raw materials or biogenic residues instead of petroleum. Researchers from Tübingen are now bringing a new player into play as a bioplastics manufacturer: cyanobacteria.

It is a clear sign of trust from existing investors: Delivery Hero and other shareholders are investing 2.7 million euros in the growth of the cleantech start-up BIO-LUTIONS. With this investment, the Hamburg-based company intends to expand its production site in Schwedt. The manufacturer of sustainable packaging and disposable products based on agricultural residues anticipates a rapid increase in demand when the EU ban on disposable plastic articles comes into force in the middle of this year.

Whether in the field or in the silo, grain is susceptible to insect pests. Therefore, chemical insecticides are often used. A common insecticide used in grain storage is imidacloprid, which belongs to the group of neonicotinoids and is considered controversial because of its environmentally harmful effects. Researchers from the Senckenberg German Entomological Institute in Müncheberg, together with partners from Pakistan and Greece, have now found a sustainable alternative.

"Show your research!" is the central motto of the university competition, which is held every Science Year to raise public awareness of the activities of German universities. Since the Bioeconomy Science Year was extended due to the pandemic, there is now a second round of projects on the bioeconomy funded by the organizer Wissenschaft im Dialog" ("Science in dialogue").